Chris Jones
Senior Member
A while ago I suggested that the XT FA might be a good choice for anyone that thought that the 4000D was a bit too pricey. clicky
I've bitten the bullet and bought a pair of the 2500 model for my light specialist set up (chubbing and smaller). I actually suspect that they are a better buy than the D.
The differences between the two appear minimal, particularly if you aren't doing any saltwater fishing. The cheaper reel has just as many bearings but they aren't the fully shielded ones. The drag isn't sealed and waterproof. I can't feel any difference when giving them a spin.
Another possible downside, for those that like single handles, is that the XTFA has double handles. Lots of people will be used to 5010/5000 type baitrunners which have had double handles for years, so this won't be a drama for many of them. The XTFA also lacks the new supa dupa bail arm. If anyone really notices that in use I'd be a little surprised.
Where the XTFA does score points over the D is that it is supplied with a spare (metal) spool and the line clip is the sprung round metal affair as found on the GTEC rather than the pathetic plastic blade.
If you were toying with the idea of a 4000D I'd strongly recommend that you give the XT4000FA a whizz. If you can get on with a double handle I suspect that it is the better buy. That's from someone that loves his 4000Ds
P.S. XT2500FA spools don't fit on the 4000D. The body sizes are the same but the rotor and drag knob are smaller on the 2500. I've been led to believe that the XT4000FA spools will fit the 4000D.
The handles aren't interchangeable either.
I've bitten the bullet and bought a pair of the 2500 model for my light specialist set up (chubbing and smaller). I actually suspect that they are a better buy than the D.
The differences between the two appear minimal, particularly if you aren't doing any saltwater fishing. The cheaper reel has just as many bearings but they aren't the fully shielded ones. The drag isn't sealed and waterproof. I can't feel any difference when giving them a spin.
Another possible downside, for those that like single handles, is that the XTFA has double handles. Lots of people will be used to 5010/5000 type baitrunners which have had double handles for years, so this won't be a drama for many of them. The XTFA also lacks the new supa dupa bail arm. If anyone really notices that in use I'd be a little surprised.
Where the XTFA does score points over the D is that it is supplied with a spare (metal) spool and the line clip is the sprung round metal affair as found on the GTEC rather than the pathetic plastic blade.
If you were toying with the idea of a 4000D I'd strongly recommend that you give the XT4000FA a whizz. If you can get on with a double handle I suspect that it is the better buy. That's from someone that loves his 4000Ds
P.S. XT2500FA spools don't fit on the 4000D. The body sizes are the same but the rotor and drag knob are smaller on the 2500. I've been led to believe that the XT4000FA spools will fit the 4000D.
The handles aren't interchangeable either.
